FLR Visa UK: Requirements, Application Process and Costs

Introduction

If your current UK immigration permission is coming to an end, you may need to apply for further permission to stay. The FLR visa is a term commonly used for applications for Further Leave to Remain, although there is no single FLR route that applies to everyone.

The correct application depends on why you want to remain in the UK and the immigration route you are relying on. For applicants who need to extend their permission, the FLR visa guidance can help explain the relevant requirements and application process.

What Is an FLR Visa?

FLR stands for Further Leave to Remain. It generally refers to an application made from inside the UK to obtain additional permission to stay after your existing leave.

One important point is that FLR is not simply one visa category. The Home Office has different application routes covering different circumstances.

For example, applications may relate to:

• Family life with a partner
• Family life as a parent
• Private life in the UK
• Human rights claims
• Certain other immigration routes
• Extensions of existing permission where the relevant rules allow it

The Home Office's FLR(FP) guidance covers applications based on family or private life, including certain partner, parent, dependent child and private life cases.

This means that choosing the right application is just as important as preparing the supporting documents.

Who Can Apply for an FLR Visa?

Eligibility depends on the immigration route you are applying under.

Someone extending their stay because of a relationship with a partner will have different requirements from someone relying on their relationship with a child or their private life in the UK.

For family-based applications, relevant factors can include:

• Your relationship with the person in the UK
• Your partner's immigration status
• Whether the relationship is genuine and continuing
• Your living arrangements
• Financial circumstances
• English language requirements
• Your immigration history

Private life applications are assessed under separate rules. The circumstances of the applicant, their residence in the UK and the consequences of being required to leave can all be relevant.

The government also confirms that family visa holders already in the UK may be able to extend their stay before their current permission expires.

FLR Visa Requirements

There is no universal FLR checklist because the requirements change according to the route.

Family-Based Applications

If you are applying as a partner, you may need evidence showing that your relationship meets the relevant requirements. Financial and English language requirements can also apply, although there are exceptions in particular circumstances.

For a parent application, the child's circumstances can become especially important. For example, there are situations where the financial and English requirements may not have to be met in the usual way, including certain cases involving British or Irish children or children who have lived in the UK for seven years.

Private Life Applications